Indigenous Arts and Cultural Learning Series - Painting

Community members are invited to participate in a unique three-part Indigenous arts and cultural learning series facilitated by Kaswentha Two Row Now and made possible through funding support from United Way Perth-Huron. The series will be led by Christin Dennis, a Knowledge Carrier from Aamjiwnaang First Nation (Chippewas of Sarnia First Nation), also known by his traditional name Gzhiiquot (Fast Moving Cloud).

Hosted at The Gathering Place at The Falstaff Family Centre, the series will offer participants hands-on opportunities to explore Indigenous artistic traditions and cultural teachings through three interactive workshops:

• June 24, 6:00–9:00 p.m. — Dream Catcher Making Workshop
• July 1, 6:00–9:00 p.m. — Bone Choker Workshop
• July 15, 6:00–9:00 p.m. — Painting Workshop

Dennis is a member of Kaswentha Two Row Now, a Stratford-area collective comprised of Indigenous educators, local businesses, health agencies, social service organizations, and community members committed to advancing learning, understanding, and reconciliation.

An accomplished visual artist, Dennis describes his work as a reflection on contemporary Indigenous culture and the ongoing importance of traditional teachings.

"My art reflects our current era in Aboriginal culture, focusing on the sweat lodge and carrying on the traditions of old into the contemporary world. I tell the story of our heritage and the importance of preserving traditional values. I use mixed media with photography as a visual demonstration of the blending of traditional images with 21st-century technology. By understanding and embracing our ancestral past, we can use those teachings to preserve a way of life, document its core values, and build a vision for our future."

The workshops are designed to foster learning, creativity, and cultural understanding while providing participants with the opportunity to learn directly from a First Nations Knowledge Carrier and artist.

Advance registration is required and space is limited to 20 people per session.

Location:

The Gathering Place

Falstaff Family Centre (lower level)

35 Waterloo Street North

Stratford, Ontario